Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Brunswick County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
27 issues with high priority
UDO Text Amendments and State Law Compliance (HB 1222)
A proposed change to the county's development rules dealing with crossover modern homes — the kind of standard that shapes what new houses in the county must look like and how they're built.
Heron Bluff Major Subdivision (172 homes)
A developer is proposing 172 single-family homes on about 80 acres, at roughly 2.13 homes per acre. The Planning Board's hearing is the first public step before any recommendation goes to the county commissioners.
Election Day ballot counting and canvass
The board was scheduled to count and tabulate over 60,000 early voting ballots plus absentee ballots on Election Night, which determines how fast local election results become official. An unresolved one-vote discrepancy in Sunset Beach's totals was still being researched.
Water Capacity and Fire Flow in Southern Brunswick County
A resident warned that a burn pit on Old Georgetown Road between Shallotte and Ocean Isle Beach has fueled three fires in seven months with no fire hydrants on that stretch, forcing tankers to shuttle water and risking homes and the airport.
Water Shortage Response Plan and Water Emergency Ordinance
The board adopted the updated water shortage response plan and emergency ordinance after making adjustments requested at the prior meeting — rules that govern how the county rations water in drought or supply emergencies.
Absentee ballot review
Some early voting ballots couldn't be read by tabulators, so the board was scheduled to oversee a bipartisan duplication process that copies those votes onto readable ballots. This is how the county makes sure technical glitches don't silence anyone's vote.
Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader Cameras
Residents and several commissioners continue to clash over the sheriff's ALPR network. The sheriff's office defended its use with rescue and drug-case stories, while critics cited privacy, cybersecurity flaws and data sharing. No vote was taken on the program itself, but the related transcription software request passed 4-1.
Tidebourne Landing Planned Development (PD-176)
A developer is proposing 274 single-family homes on 105 acres at the current site of the Shallotte Swamp Park, which would close the park. Neighbors raised concerns about flooding, wetland impacts, and traffic, though the developer added an ungated connection to improve neighborhood evacuation routes.
Village at Town Creek Planned Development (PD-181)
A new 176-home subdivision is planned on 60 acres near Winnabow, featuring open space and wider buffers near a historic church and cemetery.
State Legislative Goals for Infrastructure and Growth
Commissioners agreed to lobby the state for help with clogged drainage ditches, better road evacuation routes, and bridge funding. They are frustrated that rapid growth is straining local roads without enough state support.
Open Burning Regulations and State Authority
The board discussed options for monitoring and addressing issues related to open land-clearing and prescribed burns that cause smoke and school closures, ultimately deciding to pursue legislative communication with state representatives.
Annexation
The town of Leland is starting its first round of annexations enabled by a new state law. If your property sits on the edge of town, you might soon find yourself officially living inside Leland city limits.
Highway 211 Corridor Commercial Rezoning (Summerlin Commercial)
A developer requested rezoning 25 acres near Southport Supply Road from rural residential to neighborhood commercial. While nearby Winding River residents opposed it over traffic and compatibility concerns, supporters argued it will bring much-needed retail and grocery options closer to thousands of newly approved homes.
Rezoning Case Z-938 (Sunset Beach ETJ Removal)
Following its removal from the Sunset Beach ETJ by state legislation, a 2.65-acre parcel required county zoning within 60 days to avoid becoming unzoned. The board applied Commercial Low Density zoning, matching surrounding properties, despite resident concerns over traffic and stormwater.
Traffic Congestion and Road Safety
Locals voiced deep frustration over worsening traffic gridlock on connector roads like Benton Road, Gilbert Road, and Old Lennon Road, noting that multiple new subdivisions are severely straining local road networks and delaying emergency response times.
Property Taxes
Brunswick County property tax bills are out now, and they feature updated fire fee rates for applicable residents. You will want to check your total balance and figure out your payment method before the deadline.
School Capacity and Rapid Population Growth
The board and public reviewed school capacity data indicating that several area schools, such as Supply Elementary and South Brunswick High School, are nearing or projected to exceed 100% capacity in the coming years due to rapid residential growth.
Christian Recovery Center Neighborhood Impacts
A local resident raised concerns regarding the Christian Recovery Center facility in Sanders Forest, citing neighborhood disruptions, trespassing, and safety issues from individuals leaving the facility. Commissioners agreed to schedule a follow-up meeting with residents and center representatives.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
The board was scheduled to hear about the annual Opioid Settlement Fund community meeting, which shapes how opioid settlement money is spent locally.
State budget bill impacts on DSS
A legislative update was scheduled on how the state budget bill could affect Department of Social Services funding and services in Brunswick County.
Barbie Branch Library Expansion
The Barbee Library expansion has secured the funding needed to begin the county planning process — a big step toward more space and services in Oak Island. FOLSOI fundraising is supporting the project.
Development Approval
Brunswick County just gave the green light to a massive 291-unit housing expansion in Southport, ignoring heavy pushback from locals worried about traffic. If you commute through this corridor, get ready for even worse gridlock on your daily drive.
HHS/EOC Building Phase 2 Construction
The county approved a guaranteed maximum price of over $62.6 million for the second phase of the Health and Human Services and Emergency Operations Center building.
Development Authority
Brunswick County is pushing new legislation to shake up how local development is managed. If you care about how your neighborhood grows and who calls the shots, this is worth keeping an eye on.
Gray Bridge Planned Development Postponement
A 400-unit residential development proposal was pulled from the agenda because the developer failed to submit required documentation. Residents during public comment raised ongoing concerns about infrastructure strain, wetlands, and traffic impacts associated with large-scale projects.
Development Process
New state bills could completely shake up how development works in Brunswick County, and local leaders are already at odds over the changes. Depending on how this plays out, it could seriously speed up or alter how fast your neighborhood grows.
Southport Wastewater System Rehabilitation
County staff proposed a $6 monthly increase to the base wastewater service charge and a $1 volumetric increase, marking the first sewer rate adjustment in 20 years to help fund massive infrastructure upgrades.